Multi-purpose and ready in minutes, olive tapenade is a cocktail party must-have!

Olive tapenade is a flavorful spread that will liven up any charcuterie board or appetizer table.

Olive Tapenade in a serving bowl

Olive Tapenade is Perfect for Parties Because…

  • Originally from France, this bright blend of olives, capers, and other Mediterranean flavors, is used as a condiment or spread.
  • Olive tapenade is low-calorie and low-carb with endless ways to customize it!
  • Whip up this uber-easy and versatile recipe to serve along with homemade crostini , bruschetta, as a topping on a Greek pizza, or even whisked into your favorite pasta recipe .
ingredients to make Olive Tapenade including black olives, green olives, capers, sundried tomatoes, lemon, garlic, parsley, olive oil

Ingredients & Variations

Olives: Green, black, or Kalamata olives can be used. Be sure they are properly drained and (definitely!) pitted! Castelvetrano, Kalamata, Nicoise, Nyon, or any combination of black and green olives works.

Capers: Look for them in the pickle section, capers are a necessary flavor component that adds a bright pop of flavor against the salty olives.

Sundried Tomatoes: These colorfully tangy tomatoes are packed in oil and found in the condiment or pickle aisle. Drain them and pat them dry before adding in Step 2.

Oil and Lemon: Add the fat-to-acid balance to tapenade with your favorite oil and a splash of lemon juice. If squeezing from fresh, add a little lemon zest to the mix!

Delicious Variations

  • Aside from garlic and parsley, try adding drained artichoke hearts, roasted bell peppers, toasted pine nuts, or chopped basil in Step 2.
  • Swirl in some homemade hummus for a flavorful spread on burgers or wraps.
  • Make a creamy dip by adding olive tapenade to whipped feta dip, or homemade tzatziki.

How to Make Olive Tapenade

Multi-purpose and ready in minutes, olive tapenade is a Mediterranean style must-have!

  1. Rinse and drain olives.
  2. Pulse all ingredients (recipe below) in a food processor until desired consistency is reached
  3. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Olive Tapenade in a bowl with fresh parsley

Best Tips & Tricks

Keep olive tapenade in a covered container for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Stir before using.

Feel free to experiment with any variety of olives, but choose a good balance so the flavors balance well.

A Cool Idea!

Freeze olive tapenade in ice cube trays and store them in a zippered bag. Pop one or two out to add to dressings, dips, sauces, or spreads.

Olive Tapenade on crostini

More Tasty Appetizers!

Did you make this Olive Tapenade recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!

Olive Tapenade in a serving bowl
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Olive Tapenade

Make this easy olive tapenade recipe for a bright and briny appetizer with Mediterranean flair.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6
Author Candace

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup green olives pitted
  • 1 cup black olives pitted
  • 1 Tablespoon capers
  • ¼ cup sundried tomatoes
  • ¼ cup parsley plus more for garnish if desired
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled
  • ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • ½ lemon juiced

Instructions 

  • Drain olives and rinse with water. Drain well.
  • In a food processor, add green olives, black olives, capers, sundried tomatoes, parsley, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice.
  • Process until all ingredients are fine or it reaches desired texture.
  • Place tapenade in a serving bowl and garnish with parsley if desired.
  • Serve with crostini.

Notes

  • Refrigerate olive tapenade in a covered container for up to two weeks.
  • Experiment with any variety of olives, choosing a balance of flavors.
5 from 3 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.25cups | Calories: 162 | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 746mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 431IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.

Course Condiments
Cuisine Mediterranean

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About the author

I am a wife, mother of two, and professional accountant. I love fantastic food, and it is so often the center of our lives, from everyday dinner, to family gatherings, and special evenings at fabulous restaurants. I have always loved cooking and baking, with my mom and grandma, and now, with my daughter and son. I love trying new recipes while enjoying my favorites too. I’m so happy to share them with you.
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